36 weeks

Yulin, beginning this week, you will visit your doctor on a weekly basis. He or she will monitor your progress - as well as your baby's - and watch for early signs of labor. In some situations, a woman and her doctor may decide to induce labor. There are several reasons your doctor may suggest induction: if continuing the pregnancy poses a significant risk to you or your baby, or if your water breaks but you do not start laboring within 24-48 hours. Induction may also be considered later, if you have not given birth by your 42nd week. Some women also ask to be induced for reasons of convenience or comfort. However, there are significant risks to you and your baby if labor is induced. For example, if the induction fails, you may have to deliver by emergency c-section, which is associated with higher rates of complications, longer hospital stays, and longer recoveries. In addition, certain induction techniques can cause strong contractions; hyperstimulate the uterus, which can stress your baby; and cause placental abruption and uterine rupture. In any situation, you should discuss all the options with your doctor, ask questions, and weigh the risks and benefits to determine what is best for you and your baby.

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Your Baby

Your baby has added another half pound and now weighs about 6 pounds, measures around 20.7 inches in length, and is almost ready to check out of "Hotel Mom." Your baby has moved downward towards your vagina; hopefully headfirst. However, at this stage it is very common for babies to be feet first, or breech. It is not until labor begins that you can know for sure if your doctor will need to manually turn the baby (ECV), or if you will have to consider a cesarean delivery.